Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Can I punch you in the mouth ???????

﻿On February 15, 2014 at approximately 9:50 am Transit Police officers working in Area 3 received a radio call to respond to Blue Hill Avenue and Columbia Road for a report of a disorderly man onboard a Route 22 bus. Upon arrival officers were met by the MBTA bus operator who pointed out a male, who was now walking on Blue Hill Avenue, and informed them of the following; the male, later identified as Joel Casanova, 34 of Dorchester, boarded his bus on Blue Hill Avenue @ Charlotte Street and began to harass a female passenger. The female passenger requested she be left alone and Casanova relocated to the rear of the bus and began to shout profanities and threats directed at the bus operator without provocation. Shortly thereafter Casanova rose from his seat and charged towards the bus operator while the bus was in operation. The operator fearing for his safety as well as that of the passengers stopped the bus. Upon reaching the bus operator, who was still seated, Casanova forcefully pushed the operators head into the the driver's side window. Casanova then fled the bus.

Joel Casanova

Officers caught up to Casanova who appeared to be intoxicated, Casanova stated his desire to "punch the operator in the mouth". When informed that would not be possible Casanova inquired of the officer if he (Casanova) could "punch" the officer in the mouth instead.

Casanova was placed into custody for Interfering with Public Transportation and Assault & Battery on a Public Employee. It is expected Casanova will be arraigned sometime today in Dorchester District Court.